In brief: June 5 services set for slain sexton
The church caretaker killed in Moscow, Idaho, last weekend will be memorialized June 5.
Paul Bauer, who had been the First Presbyterian Church’s sexton since October 2006, was shot to death as he called 911 during Jason Hamilton’s rampage.
Hamilton killed his wife, Crystal, before firing more than 200 bullets in downtown Moscow, also killing Moscow Police Officer Lee Newbill and injuring three others before shooting himself.
Bauer’s memorial arrangements are being handled by Pastor Norm Fowler and Short’s Funeral Chapel.
The ceremony will be 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 405 S. Van Buren in Moscow.
For more information, contact the church at (208) 882-2536 or (208) 882-4122.
Spokane County
One teen killed, one hurt in crash
A teenage girl was killed and another seriously injured Thursday night when the car they were in – driven by an unlicensed teenage boy – apparently went out of control near the intersection of Calumet and Marsh Roads in south Spokane County, sheriff’s deputies said.
No identities were available late Thursday, but all five teens in the car were reportedly students at Liberty High School.
Spokane County sheriff’s deputies at the scene said a Chevrolet Corsica with three boys and two girls left the gravel roadway and rolled about 100 feet down an embankment. The crash occurred about 8 p.m.
One girl suffered severe head injuries and was dead at the scene; the other suffered what deputies called “substantial injuries.”
The site of the crash is classified as a “summer road,” meaning it is generally passable only in dry weather, said sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan.
“It appeared the crash was the result of excessive speed and the driver’s inexperience,” Reagan said in a press release.
There was no indication that alcohol was involved.
Child ‘critical’ after crash
An 18-month-old Colbert girl remains in critical condition at Sacred Heart Medical Center, after a crash about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Day-Mt. Spokane Road and Highway 2.
Gabriella Autry was with her mother, Belinda Autry, 35, stopped at a traffic light when their Subaru Legacy was hit from behind by a driver in a Chevrolet Blazer, the Washington State Patrol said.
The force of the impact propelled the Subaru into a Volvo in front of Autry’s vehicle.
According to the WSP, the driver of the Blazer, Michael Q. Beckley, 34, of Spokane, was not paying attention. Court records show Beckley has an extensive criminal record, including convictions for driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, no insurance, possession of a controlled substance and theft.
Gabriella Autry was properly secured in a child safety seat at the time of the crash, officials said.
The other drivers were taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center, where they were treated and released.
Charges are pending.
Man shot twice in home invasion
A man was shot twice Wednesday night when two masked men stormed into his north Spokane house in what police are calling a home invasion robbery.
“We got a 911 call at 10:39, saying, ‘There’s a naked woman outside screaming and I hear shooting,’ ” said Spokane police Cpl. Tom Lee.
Police arrived at 318 E. Walton Ave., just north of Garland Avenue, and found a man with two gunshot wounds.
According to Lee, the two masked men were armed, but the homeowner didn’t want to cooperate. A fight ensued, and he was shot.
The unnamed man was taken to a hospital where he is in satisfactory condition.
Lee said he did not know the nude woman’s relationship to the victim, although he believes she was living at the home.
“We have information about possible suspects,” said Lee, who added that they have not been questioned yet.
Sacramento, Calif.
Salmonella found in alfalfa sprouts
California health officials warned Thursday that alfalfa sprouts sold by a Northern California company to stores and restaurants in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.
The company, Salad Cosmo USA Corp., of Dixon, Calif., announced a voluntary recall after routine tests found salmonella in alfalfa seeds.
“Consumers, especially infants, young children and the elderly, are susceptible to serious infection when exposed to salmonella,” said Kevin Reilly, acting state public health officer.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Symptoms usually show up within four days after eating contaminated food.
The Department of Health Services said Salad Cosmo was recalling 2 1/2-ounce plastic containers and 1-pound plastic bags of sprouts labeled Salad Cosmo Alfalfa Sprouts with the production codes of 0519 to 0526.
Kootenai County
Offices to close for the holiday
The following offices and services will be affected by the Memorial Day holiday Monday.
“All Kootenai County city and rural garbage pickup will be one day late for the week.
“City, county, state and federal offices will be closed.
“Post offices will be closed.
“State liquor stores will be closed.
“Most banks will be closed.
“Area public schools will be closed.
From staff and wire reports